Oak Hall Cap & Gown, a manufacturer of quality academic, judicial and religious apparel, will invest $1.2 million to establish a textile manufacturing operation in the Town of Independence, Virginia. The company will renovate and up-fit an existing 85,000-square-foot facility and create 100 new jobs in Grayson County.

“Oak Hall is excited to be expanding our manufacturing into the Town of Independence,” said Oak Hall President Joseph D’Angelo. “Opening our fourth facility clearly demonstrates our commitment to keep the textile industry alive in the Commonwealth. We explored several locations in Southwest Virginia and North Carolina, and after touring Independence and meeting with County Administrator Jonathan Sweet and his team, we felt that the Town of Independence provides the dynamics of what we look for in a partner.”

“ Oak Hall is much more than a cut and sew textile business; our employees are intricately involved in the creation, design, and manufacturing of regalia that is worn by students, faculty, and University Trustees and Presidents. Over 6,000 high schools and 1,700 colleges and universities partner with Oak Hall to manufacture their regalia, including seven of the eight Ivy League Universities. We are extremely proud of our employees and the memorable impact they have on one of the most important events in a person’s life. It is important that we continue this same level of dedication, and with the backing of the community of Independence, we’re proud to carry on this tradition,” he added.

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Grayson County, the Town of Independence and Virginia’s aCorridor to secure the project for the Commonwealth. The Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission approved $385,000 in Tobacco Region Opportunity Funds for the project. Additional funding and services to support the company’s employee training activities will be provided through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program.

Governor Terry McAuliffe said, “Oak Hall Cap & Gown’s significant investment in Grayson County to establish its fourth operation in the Commonwealth is a great testament to our competitive business environment. This is a home-grown Virginia company that has thrived since its founding in 1889 and is an ideal fit for a region that has a rich tradition in the textile industry. We thank Oak Hall for this expansion that stimulates growth, helping to build the new Virginia economy.”